For expat partners that don’t speak fluent English, but who have relocated to a country with its own native tongue, there is often a tricky study choice to be made.
Two language barriers
An expat partner has recently relocated to their host country, where they face not one but two language barriers. The first is apparent in expat circles, where the majority of people can communicate with each other in English, a global language the newcomer has never learned to speak. The second is… well, everywhere else, because the locals have their own lingo. So, which language would you tell the expat partner to prioritise?
A tricky question
“It’s a tricky question and actually one that I am often asked,” says Global Connection consultant Ines Ahrens. “Firstly, I would say it’s definitely a good idea for the expat partner to put the hours in and commit to learning a language. If you can’t communicate with anyone other than your family members, you can feel very isolated very quickly.”
Long-term plans
“Secondly, I would tell them there is, unfortunately, no black and white answer. Instead I would urge them to sit down and consider their plans – how long will they likely be living in their present location? Where might they go next? If they plan to remain in their host country for many years, the local language would be an obvious priority. It will boost their employability and ease their integration. But, if they know that in two to three years, they will be relocating, then I would suggest that it would perhaps make more sense to choose English…”
Myriad benefits
“I would also recommend that they consider why they want to learn the language – do they just need to speak the local lingo to get around town? Or are they hoping to enter the local job market? Or do they wish to be more employable internationally? Hopefully, after they consider their plans and objectives, the answer will be clear and obvious to them,” says Ines. “The good news is that no matter what their decision is, learning a new language will always benefit us in myriad ways, such as increasing our cultural awareness, protecting us from neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s, boosting our intellectual capabilities, unlocking our creative side, and, a little ironically considering this topic, improving our decision-making skills!”
